But what makes Napa Valley so special? What sets it apart from other wine regions? This article explores the unique characteristics of Napa Valley, delving into its history, geography, and the factors that contribute to its exceptional wines.
Annulus is debuting with three wines, two single-vineyard bottlings and a Napa Valley cuvée crafted by the powerhouse team of well-known Napa winemaker Nigel Kinsman and consulting enologist Michel Rolland. While Rolland hardly needs an introduction, native Australian Kinsman is the former winemaker at Araujo Estate who also makes wine at Accendo Cellars, Bella Oaks, and Kinsman Eades, the label he runs with his wife. The acclaimed winemaker has been on board since founders Luke Evnin and Deann Wright first conceived the idea in 2019; his first job was to secure grapes from two historic Napa Valley locations for their single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings, Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard in Oakville and Beckstoffer Las Piedras at the foot of Spring Mountain, which was the first vineyard planted in St. Helena. Consultant Michel Rolland joined in 2023 to bring his magic blending touch to the project.
The wine is full-bodied, with a velvety texture and a long, complex finish. It exhibits a powerful structure and a firm tannic structure, with notes of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis. The winemaker’s philosophy is to create wines that are both expressive and approachable.
The winemaker, a veteran of the Napa Valley wine scene, has a deep understanding of the terroir and the nuances of the grape varieties. The wine is characterized by its bold, powerful, and complex flavor profile. It exhibits a rich, full-bodied texture with notes of black currant, cassis, and cedar. The wine also displays a firm, structured tannins that provide a long, lingering finish.
* **The wine’s origin:** Where exactly in Napa Valley is this wine sourced from? * **The vineyard’s characteristics:** What makes this vineyard unique? Is it known for its particular soil type, elevation, or climate conditions?